Illinois Libraries Present

Connect through a shared experience. Discover the exciting lineup of upcoming events for adults and children. With over 200 public libraries across Illinois, we bring you high-quality online events featuring national names and focus on social justice and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) issues.


SEASON FOUR

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Being Imperfect with Erika Sánchez

Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Erika Sánchez, award-winning author of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, joined in conversation by Cynthia Pelayo.

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Raise Your Voice with Jason Reynolds

Tuesday, October 22, 7 pm

Welcome Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author, advocate, mentor, and 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

Registration opens October 15

Holiday Tips and Tricks with Chef Art Smith

Wednesday, November 20, 7 pm

Join Chef Art Smith, two-time James Beard Foundation award winner, to learn about his culinary journey and bring some culinary inspiration into your holiday season. Click here to register for the in-person watch party at the library.

Registration opens October 15

The Magic of Raina Telgemeier

Tuesday, December 10, 7 pm

Raina Telgemeier is the author and illustrator of the graphic novels Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, and Guts, all #1 New York Times bestsellers. She also adapted and illustrated four graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin’s Baby-Sitters Club series, and has contributed short stories to many anthologies.

Registration opens October 15

Experience Little Women: The Musical at Home!

Friday, December 20, 2 pm-Sunday, December 22, 11:59pm

Originally presented on Broadway in 2005 starring Sutton Foster, Lydia White and Savannah Stevenson lead a talented cast at Park Theatre in this beloved tale of family, self-discovery, and hope.

Registration opens December 15

Chicago Pizza – Past, Present & Future with Steve Dolinsky

Thursday, January 9, 7 pm

Steve Dolinksy is host of the podcasts “The Feed Podcast” with Chicago chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless and “Pizza City”, author of two books about pizza, and creator of Pizza City Fest in 4 cities.

Registration opens December 15

Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau

Thursday, January 23, 7 pm

Description coming soon.

Registration opens December 15

James McBride

Tuesday, February 4, 7 pm

Description coming soon.

Registration opens December 15

Amy Tan

Wednesday, February 19, 7 pm

Description coming soon.

Registration opens December 15

Exploring Space with Coralie Adam

Tuesday, March 4, 7 pm

Description coming soon.

Registration opens December 15

Experience 9to5: The Story of a Movement at Home!

Friday, March 21, 2 pm-Sunday, March 23, 11:59pm

Featuring interviews with 9to5’s founders, as well as actor and activist Jane Fonda, 9to5: The Story of a Movement is the previously untold story of the fight that inspired Dolly Parton’s “9to5” hit and changed the American workplace.

Registration opens March 15

The Art of Foraging with Alexis Nikole Nelson

Thursday, April 10, 7 pm

Description coming soon.

Registration opens March 15

Art and Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat

Saturday, May 3, 2 pm

Description coming soon.

Registration opens March 15

Poverty: A Discussion with Matthew Desmond

Thursday, May 15, 7 pm

Description coming soon.